Caramel cream

Crème brûlée is a classic dessert that brings joy to the faces of loved ones, featuring a smooth texture and an inviting taste. This sweet treat is perfect for enjoying at the end of a festive meal or simply to indulge yourself during your moments of relaxation.

The history of crème brûlée is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. It is believed that this delicacy was invented in ancient times as a way to transform simple ingredients into something spectacular. With a perfect blend of eggs, milk, and sugar, crème brûlée becomes a symbol of comfort and good taste.

In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare a delicious crème brûlée, step by step. Whether you are a novice cook or an expert in the kitchen, you will find the necessary information to achieve a perfect result.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 50 minutes (including cooling time)
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 3 cups of sugar (approximately 750 g)
- 8 eggs
- 1 liter of milk
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Step 1: Caramelizing the sugar
Start by caramelizing the 3 cups of sugar. Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the sugar from burning. Place the sugar over medium heat and stir it constantly with a wooden spatula. Once the sugar begins to melt, reduce the heat. Watch the color of the caramel closely; you want to achieve a golden hue, but not too dark, to avoid a bitter taste. Once you have reached the desired color, pour the caramel evenly onto the sides of the baking dish. If you are using another baking dish, make sure to transfer the caramel quickly and evenly. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the egg mixture
In a large bowl, beat the 8 eggs well together with 1 cup of sugar and the vanilla sugar. Use a whisk or mixer to achieve a smooth mixture. It is essential to ensure that there are no lumps of eggs; this way, the crème will be smooth and velvety. Once the mixture is well beaten, gradually add the milk while continuing to stir. The milk should be at room temperature to prevent the eggs from curdling.

Step 3: Combining the ingredients
After the caramel has cooled, carefully pour the milk and egg mixture over the caramel. Make sure it distributes evenly so that each serving has that sweet caramel flavor.

Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350°F). Choose a larger tray to place the dish with the crème, and pour a little water into it. This step is crucial as it will create a moist environment during baking, preventing the crème from baking unevenly. Carefully place the dish with the crème into the water-filled tray and put everything in the oven.

Step 5: Baking
Let the crème bake for about 40 minutes. You can check if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the crème is baked. During baking, the sweet aroma of caramel will fill the kitchen, bringing a sense of warmth and comfort.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
Once the crème is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 2 hours. This step is important as the crème will continue to set and become easier to portion.

Once the crème has completely cooled, you can carefully invert it onto a serving plate. The caramel should melt on the surface of the crème, creating a delicious sauce.

Serving suggestions
Crème brûlée pairs perfectly with fresh fruits such as strawberries or raspberries, adding a note of acidity and freshness. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and temperatures. If you want to give it a twist, you can add a few drops of orange or lemon essence to the egg mixture for a subtle and refreshing flavor.

Nutritional information (per serving)
Calories: 250
Fats: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Proteins: 8 g

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use alternative sweeteners?
Yes, you can substitute sugar with natural sweeteners, but make sure to follow the usage instructions to achieve the perfect sweetness.

2. How can I prevent the eggs from curdling?
Make sure the milk is at room temperature and add it gradually to the egg mixture while stirring constantly.

3. What are the flavoring options?
In addition to vanilla sugar, you can add flavors such as almond, rum, or even cocoa to vary the taste.

Conclusion
Crème brûlée is a simple yet sophisticated dessert that can bring a touch of magic to any moment. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or to treat yourself at the end of a long day, this recipe will bring smiles and joy. So, put on your apron and enjoy the cooking process!